Is it Worth It

[Val & Frank]

Hi To Everone

I was reading about Winter Storage and it said about Removing the Wheels

Question would it be worthwhile finding two old wheels and changing them out for the winter, so the van would stand on old tyres ??

Val & Frank

 

[sparkes]

Frank

Better to just use the van. Honestly, best time of the year to get out

 

[Val & Frank]

Hi Steve

We intend to use our van in the winter. Being new to all this I am building up my knowledge base !!!. So do you change the Van tyres to Winter tyres, or do you take chains etc. We do live in the NE of Scotland !!!

Val & Frank

 

[rob_jax]

Hi Frank,

Whilst it is compulsory or at least recommended to use winter tyres in certain European countries, I don't believe it is necessary to use winter tyres on a caravan - it doesn't have any driven wheels but braking might be an issue if the wheels keep locking up - but as caravan tyres never wear down, they should have a deep tread pattern and work reasonably well.

Winter tyres = special soft compound tyre that retains grip on very cold days - plus a few other features like sharp edges to the tyre blocks and the possibility of adding metal spike studs - limited to 120 kph or less.

Winter wheels = a big steel plate that replaces the normal wheels and takes the load of the caravan for storage - and you put the road wheels in the garage.

Chains = I've never used chains on a caravan wheel - don't know if it's advisable or even needed.

Robert

 

[BJ]

I never use winter wheels.

I try to use the van over the winter. If it is sitting around without being used, I move it a few inches each month (with motor mover) to ensure the van is not sat on the same part of the tyres all winter.

 

[baxtjhn@aol.com]

Hi Frank,

I have always used axle stands,takes me about 10 mins to jack up van and put stands in place.I then do not have to worry about possible loss of tyre pressure and putting strain on corner steadies.I also use the van throughout the year and as I said it takes 10 mins to put in place and like wise when going away.I use a trolley jack as its so easy to use

regards john.b.

 

[Guest]

Yep I'm with John B, if your van is going to be off the road for any time put it up on stands with or without wheels on.

Rubber suspension bushes will last longer and so will the tyres!

 

[RogerL]

Axle stands are much better than winter wheels. While both relieve the strain on the tyres, axle stands relieve the strain on the axle suspension and is recommended by Al-Ko.

If you use axle stands, remove the wheels/tyres and store them in the dark, eg garage - this will reduce the UV deterioation which is the main cause of tyre failure in older tyres.

 

[hublock]

John B and Roger L

What about security if you remove the wheels? What do you use as you cant then use a wheel clamp. Does your insurance still cover you?

Alko do recomend using axle stands to prolong the rubber suspension but I don't know what they intend you use for security.

I would suggest you look at the HUBLOCK as you can fit the disc without the stand. This way you would still have (Sold Secure Gold) security accepted by insurance companies.

This is a standard feature of our design.

Ten minutes to jack up the caravan fit the axle stands and HUBLOCK discs.

Well worth the effort if you want to keep your caravan.

Have you considered this?

 

[dragon32a]

It depends on your chassis. Mine is an ALCO and I use 2 old Volvo wheels with about 1/32 ground out of the center. I have also used old Vauxhall Cavalier wheels and they fit without alteration. I had them anyway but it shouldnt cost anymore than a tenner for the two from a scrap yard. Save you a lot of money in the spring.

Don

 

[RogerL]

Kenneth - my insurance doesn't require my to use a wheel clamp.

I use the Caravan Club insurance who allow a choice of security device from which I declare a hitch lock. I also have an alarm fitted which gives an 10% premium discount.

I do use a wheelclamp when the wheels are fitted to act as a visual deterrent, but not as an insurance requirement.

 

[Guest]

I's sure Kenneth's product is a fine one but I still don't believe that it is the gadget that will never be beaten.

Ken is using this discussion forum to advertise his product when there are plenty of other fine product manufacturers that have to pay for the privelege.

Might I suggest that the boys from Bulldog come on and plug their products as well or anyone else that takes a fancy to promote their product.

I'm not sure how long the product has been around, but I would prefer to see reccomendations from end users having had time to assess the merits of a product and prove that they work rather than the salesman / manufacturer plugging at every opportunity.

 

[baxtjhn@aol.com]

Kenneth,

my van is kept at my home,I have 2 inches each side between gable of house and garden wall and large gates which are locked,so it takes a wee while to pull it past the gable end which is 30 feet long without damage to the van.

I also have chassis chained to concrete base and on the plus side I have retired neighbours who would not hesitate to stop someone noseying around my home.

Oh!!! did I mention a big bad tempered dog who barks if a sparrow farts..

regards john.b.

 

[Surfer]

If you need to move your caravan in a hurry due, for instance, a fire close by, having winter wheels will certainly hinder you.

 

[hublock]

Hello Frank,

Some people do fit old wheels for the winter and I assume they must fit wheel clamps for security, and to comply with their insurance.

This is the main point, that whatever you do you must still meet conditions of your insurer.

I was interested in RogerL and john.b. who said they used winter wheels and removed the wheels to protect them against uv light.

RogerL explained that the terms of his insurance allowed him to do this, by fitting a hitch lock only.

I didn't understand from john.b., if you had the same type of cover. I assume you must have.

I hope these points are useful to you Frank as you did start this posting and I assume you are looking for positve advice.

 

[RogerL]

To clarify - I DON'T use winter wheels, I use axle stands - actually very large blocks of wood under the axle. They're deliberately set very low so that any intending thief would have to jack the caravan up to fit wheels.